best medication for adhd (Find Out More)

most common adhd medication uk children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better, are less impulsive, feel calmer and get on with their school work. Some suffer a slight slowdown in growth and may experience an increase in blood pressure or heart rate while taking these medicines.

There are many different types of medication such as tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). The most commonly used stimulant is methylphenidate (Adderall). It's available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine with extended release.

Stimulants

One of the most common adhd medications effective treatments for ADHD is a class of drugs known as stimulants. These medications improve focus and attention by altering neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. These are the chemicals that regulate the prefrontal cortex which is often referred to as the brain's "secretary" because it aids in the planning and organization abilities.

Stimulants come in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken three or twice times per day. Amphetamines like Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin are among these. Amphetamines can be more potent and last longer than methylphenidates however, they both function in the same way to increase attention and focus. Certain stimulant medications are available in extended-release forms. These can be a better alternative since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are usually taken every day. Some of these are powders that you mix with liquid to make a drink, and others are pills.

It can take time to find the right medication for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe how you react to different types of medications and will alter the dosage as required. The use of medication should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and support.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in however they can help you feel more in control and increase your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, so they are safer to use over an extended period of time. These medications can also have less side negative effects like constipation, heartburn and reduced sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe guanfacine. It is also known as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both medicines in this group.

There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that can be prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past like Tofranil(imipramine) are prescribed to treat ADHD. Doctors only suggest these drugs when stimulants and other non-stimulants fail to work or cause too many side effects.

Your doctor can prescribe the atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These drugs do not have a direct effect however they can help reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs compared to the others and can cause negative side effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also suggest a low-dose antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin), that is not FDA approved for ADHD treatment but can increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. It may cause some uncomfortable but usually not serious side effects like ringing or changes in vision.